Assistant Attorney for the Central District of California Bill Essayli attends a news conference to discuss fraud prevention, Jan. 9, 2026, in Los Angeles.Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images
The lead federal prosecutor in Los Angeles announced Friday that "several inquiries into election malfeasance are in progress" but declined to offer any details or specific information.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli stated on X that his office is collaborating with Harmeet Dhillon, the Department of Justice's assistant attorney general for the Civil Rights Division, "to undertake a thorough review of California’s voter registration lists."
Assistant Attorney for the Central District of California Bill Essayli attends a news conference to discuss fraud prevention, Jan. 9, 2026, in Los Angeles.Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images
"We will pursue the facts wherever they may lead and bring charges for any breaches of federal election statutes to the maximum extent permitted by law," he remarked, adding that the state purportedly "obstructed all attempts to confirm that only qualified U.S. citizens are enrolled to vote."
The Department of Justice has consistently indicated that California faces challenges with its voter registers, and that examinations are ongoing. It remains unconfirmed whether any evidence substantiates these claims, and the DOJ has not presented proof of wrongdoing.
This is a developing situation. Kindly revisit for further information.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com